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London City Lionesses Showcase Improvement In Defeat

If the London City coach needed a demonstration of how far his team have come in the past few weeks, the weekend's match against Chelsea provided exactly that. The game concluded in a 2-0 defeat to Chelsea, but his side performed admirably at Stamford Bridge and posed several questions for the title holders. The Lionesses controlled nearly half the ball – possibly more than expected – and registered the equal amount of shots on target (three), with Isobel Goodwin providing a particular threat with her forward runs. “When we compare to earlier in the season when we faced other leading teams, it was really good,” the coach commented. “The encouraging aspect is that we are beginning to witness a team – that was my biggest challenge. We saw a team that protected and pushed forward as one. We still need to develop.”

Liverpool FC ‘Will Keep Fighting’

The Reds' manager, Gareth Taylor, delivered a rallying call to his side as the wait for their first points continues. After another defeat, this time by a single goal at the expense of Tottenham, he said: “We must fight our way out. The message is evident. The team is striving tirelessly to transform this into a improved position but it requires a bit of time and a bit of support. Unfortunately, currently, we’re getting knocked, but we are determined to persevere.” Superficially, it was an even encounter at Brisbane Road – with comparable ball control, chances created and scoring chances – but after taking an early lead, the visitors played lacking intensity as Spurs mounted a comeback. It was another concerning example of Liverpool's propensity to fade in matches, certainly the priority for the coach to address if he is to reverse their form.

Kirby and Seike Fill Michelle Agyemang Gap

Brighton & Hove Albion proved they can cope in the absence of their on-loan striker the injured attacker, even after losing to the Red Devils. The forward was declared unavailable for the season last week after suffering a serious knee injury while playing for England. Existed some concern about how Brighton would cope, but Fran Kirby and the Japanese international proved they are more than capable of making up the scoring output by finding the net in the 3-2 defeat. “We responded quite well to begin,” the Seagulls' manager, Dario Vidosic, remarked. “We got better as the match progressed, we applied our pressing better. More positive, again. We might have added a couple more goals in the later stages. Against a very good defensive team, to have all the opportunities we did today was good, but we need to be more clinical.”

Skinner Finds Encouragement Following Defeat at Manchester City

West Ham's coach could take optimism from her team's performance against Manchester City, despite a single-goal loss. While the Hammers, at the foot on goal difference, have yet to earn a point, they adopted a attacking mindset and did not shy away from attacking City. A inefficiency in front of goal was West Ham’s downfall at the City's home ground but it is a matter of time before they get a positive result. “We’re disappointed we’ve not taken anything from the game, and considering the playing time the squad have had during the international break the mindset and desire from the players [was excellent], and the fortitude as well,” the manager noted. “We must turn things around.”

The Toffees Avoid Costly Mistakes with Kelly Gago Double

A 94th-minute leveller by the French forward rescued the team's reputation as they shared the points in a six-goal thriller at Aston Villa. The attacker notched the first goal with her first goal of the season after a impressive Toffees beginning. Aston Villa equalised just before the break. The remaining period was action-packed, as both teams capitalized of the opponent's porous defence. An unfortunate deflection by Ruby Mace swung the pendulum the home side's way, putting them 3-2 up, but the scorer came to Everton’s rescue after the manager's side had missed opportunities on several chances. The team's streak without a WSL win now extends to half a dozen games.

Duo’s Spark Helps The Gunners Find Spark

The North London side secured their third straight victory in all competitions as Stina Blackstenius netted a brace and Alessia Russo added another in a comprehensive win of Leicester. It was a another beginning of the season for the attacker, who assisted Russo to put the Gunners the lead, then, after a Sari Kees own goal, broke her five-game drought with a double of her own. Arsenal have appeared far from title contenders but a dominant opening period by the forward and Blackstenius created chaos and revealed the slick and bold style that most people expect given the team’s quality. “There were fresh combinations in the lineup in this match as well, so that needs to click,” said manager, Renée Slegers, “but I think it performed really well, particularly in the first half.”

WSL Standings

Pos	Team	P	GD	Pts
1	Chelsea Women	7	11	19
2	Man City Women	7	10	18
3	Man Utd Women	7	14	17
4	Tottenham Hotspur Women	7	1	15
5	Arsenal Women	7	10	14
6	London City Lionesses	7	-9	9
7	Brighton & Hove Albion Women	7	0	7
8	Aston Villa Women	6	0	7
9	Everton Women	7	-4	5
10	Leicester Women	7	-8	5
11	Liverpool FC Women	6	-9	0
12	West Ham Women	7	-16	0